SEC accuses Goldman Sachs of defrauding investors
WASHINGTON - The government on Friday accused Wall Street's most powerful firm of fraud, saying Goldman Sachs & Co. sold mortgage investments without telling the buyers that the securities were crafted with input from a client who was betting on them to fail.

Jobless rate down for second month
Unemployment fell for the second straight month across the South Plains, according to figures released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Continental, United reportedly talking about merger
NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Continental Airlines and the parent of United Airlines rose in afternoon trading Thursday after The New York Times reported that the carriers are talking about combining and creating the world's largest carrier.

Toyota orders recall of Sienna minivans
WASHINGTON - Toyota Motor Corp. said Friday it was recalling 600,000 Sienna minivans sold in the United States to address potential rusting spare tire cables that could break and create a road hazard in the latest safety problem to strike the beleaguered automaker.

Hats Off: Community pays tribute to Estacado
state championship basketball team
How exciting to see the Estacado community celebrating the Estacado High School boys basketball team's 3A state victory. These young men are champions and they will carry this victory with them throughout their lives. And they have made their neighborhood champions. As former City Councilman T.J. Patterson said, "They showed that no matter what the task is, you can make things happen in your life." This group of high school boys brought a new level of expectation to their peers. And to the neighborhood renewed hope for the future. "Any time the young kids can see them in a positive light - seeing them come from the same neighborhood they did - is always a good thing," said Vernita Woods-Holmes, LISD school board trustee.

From our story comments
"While I commend her for trying to better herself and wish her the best of luck, I must remind her most great accomplishments in life are not obtained without a little hardship."

From our story comments
"So go ahead and let the IRS run a $1 trillion health care plan. The .1 percent error will only be $100 billion. We can afford that. That's nothing now. I feel free. No worries. It's going to be like Christmas."

Quick Opinion
The city and the original contractor should send a letter of apology to everyone who have and will be inconvenienced by settling soil over a sewer line running beneath 98th Street at Elkhart Avenue that has cracked the road. This is an opportunity for both parties to stand up, accept responsibility and do the right thing.

Quick opinion
The tobacco industry won't like it, but Texas Comptroller Susan Combs offering schools and local law enforcement money to help stop children from smoking warrants public support. The grants can be used in a number of areas, including sting operations to catch retailers who sell tobacco products to anyone under age 18.

Autism walked slated for April 25
Texas Tech’s Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research will host its annual Walk for Autism Awareness from 2-4 p.m. April 25, with registration at 1:30 p.m. or online at www.burkhartcenter.org.

New Masked Rider, Raider Reds named
The honor and spirit of Texas Tech was a common theme as the outgoing Masked Rider and Raider Red handed off titles and costumes to coming year’s spirited mascots.

Local potter stays true to his craft
The Lubbock Arts Festival opened with its Premiere Night a rousing success, and artists on Friday night were predicting a wall-to-wall turnout today, thanks in part to the wet weather plaguing so many outdoor activities.

Golden Fork Culinary Competition to showcase top local chefs
With more than 200 restaurants in Lubbock, even locals might find it difficult to taste all the fine cuisine available around town. The annual Golden Fork Culinary Competition gives folks the chance to explore a sampling of the Hub City's culinary diversity all in one room.

Problem solvers at state today
A fictional problem involving food distribution set in the future will be the academic challenge today for team and individual competitors from the Lubbock and Frenship independent school districts at the Future Problem Solvers State Bowl in Austin.

Retreat tries to help after an abortion
For years, Kathy Krile lived with the guilt, a secret she kept buried. Now with the truth revealed, she strives to show others the compassion she never witnessed.

'Star Wars' concert canceled
Due to a scheduling conflict, "Star Wars: In Concert," scheduled for May 23 at United Spirit Arena, has been canceled.

Tech dean quits in tier one flap
Debate surrounding the costs tied to Texas Tech's push for tier one status heated up this week with the resignation of a long-standing dean.

March of Dimes event postponed
The March of Dimes has postponed today’s March for the Babies event due to the rainy weather. The event is rescheduled for May 8.

Leach team expands lawsuit
Former Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach launched another legal blitz Friday, expanding his case to include several university officials, two Tech regents and the father of the player at the center of his December firing.

This year now wettest on record for the weather service
The tropical-like weather system that has been parked over the Lubbock area since Thursday has generated enough rain to make 2010 the wettest start for any year since records began, according to the National Weather Service.

Former Tech athletic head Conley dies
As John Conley launched his career as Texas Tech's athletic director in 1980, he said he valued continuity and didn't like anyone using Tech as a stepping stone to another job.

Tea party protesters air barbs at 'gangster government'
WASHINGTON - Tea party protesters marked tax day Thursday with exhortations against "gangster government" and appeals from Republicans seeking their grass-roots clout in November elections, a prospect both tempting and troubling to those in the loose movement.

Obama maps plans for space exploration to asteroid, Mars
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - President Barack Obama boldly predicted Thursday his new plans for space exploration would lead American astronauts on historic, almost fantastic journeys to an asteroid and then to Mars - and in his lifetime - relying on rockets and propulsion still to be imagined and built.

Discovery crew completes task
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - After struggling for hours with a balky latching system, shuttle Discovery's astronauts successfully removed a cargo carrier from the International Space Station on Thursday.

Ex-NAACP chief Hooks dies at 85
NASHVILLE - Civil rights leader Benjamin L. Hooks, who shrugged off courtroom slurs as a young lawyer before earning a pioneering judgeship and later reviving a flagging NAACP, died Thursday in Memphis. He was 85.

Death noticesLillia Acosta, 54, of Lubbock died April 11, 2010. Services are pending with Calvillo Funeral Home.

Death NoticesLillia Acosta, 54, of Lubbock died April 11, 2010. Services will be 11 a.m. today at Calvillo Funeral Home Chapel. Calvillo Funeral Home.

Tomas "Thomas" Vidaurre
A prayer service for Thomas Vidaurre, 85, of Slaton will be 7 p.m. Friday, April 16, 2010 in Slaton's Assembly of God Church. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010 in the same church with Rev. Jessie Vidaurre officiating. Interment will follow in Englewood Cemetery under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

Tommy Bednarz
Rosary for Tommy Bednarz, 77, of Wilson will be Friday, April 16, 2010 at 7 p.m. in Englunds Chapel with Rev. Lawrence Hemp officiating. Resurrection Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010, in Slaton's St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Lawrence Hemp officiating. Interment will follow in Englewood Cemetery under the direction of Englunds Funeral Service of Slaton.

James Edward Barbee
A celebration to commemorate the life of James Edward "Eddie" Barbee will be held at Gardski's, 2009 Broadway in Lubbock, at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2010 with contributions of memories from many of his family and friends.

James Kevin (Jim) Burns
James Kevin (Jim) Burns died April 15, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with muscular dystrophy. He was born July 12, 1950 in Albuquerque, NM to James W. Burns and Betty Dunnam Burns. Jim attended Lamar University and Texas Tech University. He married Helen Rose Ashley on November 13, 1971 in Dallas where they lived until moving to Lubbock in March 1972.

James Kevin (Jim) Burns
James Kevin (Jim) Burns died April 15, 2010 after a long and courageous battle with muscular dystrophy. He was born July 12, 1950 in Albuquerque, NM to James W. Burns and Betty Dunnam Burns. Jim attended Lamar University and Texas Tech University. He married Helen Rose Ashley on November 13, 1971 in Dallas where they lived until moving to Lubbock in March 1972.

Donald E. Lemaster
Donald E. Lemaster, 93, of Lubbock passed away Thursday, April 15 at his home. He was born in Mesquite, Texas on July 30, 1916 to C.A. and Wilmuth Lemaster.

Randal Ralph Drennan
Services for Randal Ralph Drennan, 61, of Lubbock will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010 at South Plains Church of Christ, 6802 Elkhart, Lubbock. Burial will follow at Resthaven. Mr. Drennan passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 14th.

William Stanley McDonough
HAPPY - William Stanley McDonough, 73, died April 15, 2010 in Amarillo, Texas. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Monday, April 19 at the First Baptist Church of Happy with Rev. Paul McQuerry, pastor, officiating. Private interment will be in Happy Cemetery, Happy, Texas, under the direction of Brooks Funeral Directors of Canyon, Texas.

Robert Stanley Handren
Robert Stanley Handren of Lubbock, Texas, went to Heaven Wednesday, April 14, 2010. We will celebrate his life with a prayer service at Resthaven's Abbey Chapel at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 16, with Rev. Malcom Neyland, and funeral services at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Saturday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Gerard Kenney and Rev. Malcom Neyland. Please join us in celebrating Robert's life by visiting his memorial at www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Johnny M. Nunez (6/4/1978-4/16/2006)
So the time has come to where we, your family, mark another year's passing. I will not allow the sorrow to destroy myself or our family. I will embrace what you have taught me over the years. You will forever be a part of my life, in my heart is where I carry you with me. One day when the time is right, we shall all rejoice. This time between us is all temporary, for GOD has greater plans. So many things I can't wait to tell you, laughs that I wish to share with you. My tribulations I am grateful for. ONE day I will see you again. My heart will be whole once more, my tears will be ever dry and my spirit will be as indescribable as you are.

Josephine Rizzo Thomas
Graveside services for the Inurnment of Josephine Rizzo Thomas, 95, of Lubbock will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010 at St. Raymond's Cemetery, Bronx, NY. Josephine died Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Lubbock Heart Hospital. Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers are handling local arrangements.

Darrell Parrish
Darrell Parrish, 50, of Lubbock passed away Monday, April 12, 2010 at Lamb County Medical Center. He was born April 21, 1959 to Mr. Artis Lee Parrish and Ms. Dorothy Ray McDonald in Lubbock, TX. He attended Lubbock Public Schools, graduating from Estacado High School in 1978. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for 17 years.

Andrew Pulley, Jr. III
Andrew Pulley, Jr. III, 28 of Lubbock passed away Saturday, April 10, 2010 at his residence. He was born Sept. 1, 1981 to Elizabeth R. Pulley and Andrew Pulley, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, Elizabeth R. Pulley and Andrew Pulley, Jr.; two sisters, Raneshia Pulley and Rachel Pulley; two brothers, Stephen Pulley and Aaron Pulley; one son, Andrew Pulley, Jr.; one stepson, Xavier; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dan Roberts
Our beloved Dan Roberts of Meadow went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 15, 2010. Celebration of Dan's life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 17, 2010 in the First Baptist Church, Meadow with the Rev. Ken McClung officiating. Cremation is under the direction of Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers.

Navy triathletes feel right at home
When members of the Naval Academy's triathlon club arrived in Lubbock on Thursday, Greg Lowe handed them the keys to his trailer and sports utility vehicle. Guy Wells went a step further, giving them the security code to his 8,000-square-foot house in LakeRidge.

Torres leads Mustangs to 2-5A track title
MIDLAND - Donovan Torres swept the long-distance events for the Coronado boys track and field team, which edged Midland Lee for the District 2-5A championship on Friday.

LCU sweeps USAO in Sooner Athletic play
CHICKASHA, Okla. - The Lubbock Christian University softball team earned a pair of Sooner Athletic Conference road victories Thursday with a doubleheader sweep of the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma at Bill Smith Ballpark.

Frenship girls take lead on meet's first day
SAN ANGELO - Thanks to a strong showing in the pole vault and 3,200-meter run, the Frenship girls track team leads after the first day of the District 4-4A meet held Thursday at San Angelo Stadium.

Renewed Manu gives Spurs prayer in playoffs
SAN ANTONIO - Forget that the San Antonio Spurs are coming off their worst regular season in 13 years, or that Tim Duncan was a rookie when they last began the playoffs on the road.

Vid shows Dodgers fan pushed from stadium
LOS ANGELES - Authorities are reviewing a video posted on YouTube which appears to show a security guard pushing a fan from Dodger Stadium, then kicking him and tackling him to the ground.

Astros snap losing streak with upset of Cardinals
ST. LOUIS - The Houston Astros avoided matching the worst start in franchise history, stopping an eight-game losing streak with their first win, 5-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday behind Bud Norris' arm and bat.

Yanks' Park on DL with bum hamstring
NEW YORK - The New York Yankees have decided to be cautious with Chan Ho Park, placing the reliever on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of a mild hamstring injury.

Perry appears gearing up for White House run in '12
AUSTIN - After clobbering Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in the March Republican primaries, Gov. Rick Perry has been steadily raising his national profile, fueling speculation that he is quietly building a campaign for the White House in 2012.

Wrong-way drivers rank high in study
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The big news from a statewide study on fatal wrong-way crashes on New Mexico's thousand miles of interstate highway wasn't that 59 percent of the crashes were caused by drunken drivers. Or that 79 people died.

Lane Closures scheduled for West Loop 289 project
Beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday night, the Texas Department of Transportation will reduce north and southbound Loop 289 to one lane in each direction from 34th street to Frankford Avenue. Traffic can expect to be in a one lane configuration for the next 12 to 15 months. Crews will also be removing overhead sigh bridges and closing the northbound Loop 289 to westbound SH 114 (19th street) cloverleaf exit. Traffic should expect delays throughout the night. Northbound Loop traffic wanting to go west on SH 114 will need to use the u-turn lane located at Frankford Avenue.

Michelle Obama visits San Diego community farm
Returning from Mexico, Michelle Obama made a brief stop Thursday in San Diego to visit a community garden farmed by international refugees that she called a model for building healthy communities across the nation and around the world.

Icelandic volcano eruption puts air travel on hold around world
LONDON - An enormous ash cloud from a remote Icelandic volcano caused the biggest flight disruption since the 2001 terrorist attacks Thursday as it drifted over northern Europe and stranded travelers on six continents. Officials said it could take days for the skies to become safe again in one of aviation's most congested areas.

Drug cartels threatening rural Mexicans to leave homes
EL PORVENIR, Mexico - The 14-year-old boy tied a few mattresses and a bedstead to the family pickup truck. He went back into his single-story yellow house for the cat, and chained up the gate. Then he drove off with his family, which was abandoning home, jobs, school and country.

Confusion reigns over U.S.-Russia adoption situation
NEW YORK - For the Zukors in Maryland, and hundreds of other families across the U.S., there were anxious and confusing moments Thursday as reports surfaced - and then were questioned - regarding a freeze of adoptions from Russia.

Volcanic ash still disrupting air traffic
LONDON - Thick drifts of volcanic ash blanketed parts of rural Iceland on Friday as a vast, invisible plume of grit drifted over Europe, emptying the skies of planes and sending hundreds of thousands in search of hotel rooms, train tickets or rental cars.

Airborne volcanic ash endangers jetliners
NEW YORK - In 1989, all four engines of a Boeing 747 over Alaska conked out after it flew into a cloud of volcanic ash. The crew was able to restart them, but incidents like that dramatize why hundreds of flights every year are diverted around the razor-sharp debris.

Pope: Repent for sexual abuse
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI broke his recent silence on the clerical abuse scandal, complaining Thursday that the church was under attack but saying "we Christians" must repent for sins and recognize mistakes.